Creep in concrete

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Definition:

Concrete creep is defined as: deformation of structure under sustained load.
Basically, long term pressure or stress on concrete can make it change shape. This deformation usually occurs in the direction the force is being applied. Like a concrete column getting more compressed, or a beam bending. Creep does not necessarily cause concrete to fail or break apart. Creep is factored in when concrete structures are designed.

Factors Affecting Creep

Aggregate

Mix Proportions

Age of concrete

1. Influence of Aggregate

Aggregate undergoes very little creep. It is really the paste
which is responsible for the creep. However, the aggregate influences the creep of
concrete through a restraining effect on the magnitude of creep. The paste which is
creeping under load is restrained by aggregate which do not creep. The stronger the
aggregate the more is the restraining effect and hence the less is the magnitude of creep.
The modulus of elasticity of aggregate is one of the important factors influencing creep.

It can be easily imagined that the higher the modulus of elasticity the less is the creep. Light weight aggregate shows substantially higher creep than normal weight aggregate.

2. Influence of Mix Proportions:

The amount of paste content and its quality is one of the
most important factors influencing creep. A poorer paste structure undergoes higher creep. Therefore, it can be said that creep increases with increase in water/cement ratio.
In other words, it can also be said that creep is inversely proportional to the strength of
concrete. Broadly speaking, all other factors which are affecting the water/cement ratio are also affecting the creep.

3. Influence of Age:

Age at which a concrete member is loaded will have a predominant
effect on the magnitude of creep. This can be easily understood from the fact that the
quality of gel improves with time. Such gel creeps less, whereas a young gel under load
being not so stronger creeps more. What is said above is not a very accurate statement
because of the fact that the moisture content of the concrete being different at different
age also influences the magnitude of creep.

Effects of Creep on Concrete and Reinforced Concrete

In reinforced concrete beams, creep increases the deflection with time and may be a
critical consideration in design.

In eccentrically loaded columns, creep increases the deflection and can load to buckling.

In case of statically indeterminate structures and column and beam junctions creep may relieve the stress concentration induced by shrinkage, temperatures changes or movement
of support. Creep property of concrete will be useful in all concrete structures to reduce
the internal stresses due to non-uniform load or restrained shrinkage.

In mass concrete structures such as dams, on account of differential temperature
conditions at the interior and surface, creep is harmful and by itself may be a cause of
cracking in the interior of dams. Therefore, all precautions and steps must be taken to see
that increase in temperature does not take place in the interior of mass concrete structure.

Loss of prestress due to creep of concrete in prestressed concrete structure.